Weasel Words Are Our Mental Traps

we are surrounded by weasel words
mental traps we set for ourselves
to shut down all rational discussion
in truly Orwellian fashion


these words are legend
everyone uses them
no one thinks about them
what they really mean

I had no choice
of course, one always has a choice

Failure is not an option
nothing but macho BS
of course failure is always an option
that one must be prepared to face

and my favorite
zero tolerance
which converts
all violations of the Rules
into class A murder like felonies
and common sense and discretion
thrown out the window
under the proverbial bus

where the full SWAT
Imperial storm troopers
Robot cops are deployed
to arrest a teenage girl

her crime giving a classmate
a Tylenol which is a legal drug
but under zero tolerance
that is the same as selling heroin

and she will be charged
with a class A drug offense
following her around
for her life

for having dared
to break the stupid rule

yes weasel words
are everywhere

our mental traps
designed to keep us
from thinking
and acting

so throw off your mental traps
break free from the weasel words
and perhaps we can be free
of these mental traps
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Be the first to comment on this poem. Encourage this poet.

Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace